What's happened
Swedish skier Elis Lundholm, who was assigned female at birth and identifies as male, competed in women's moguls at the Milano Cortina Games. NBC misgendered him during coverage, but he remains the first openly transgender athlete at a Winter Olympics, competing under IOC rules. He finished 25th.
What's behind the headline?
The inclusion of Lundholm highlights the evolving landscape of gender policies in sports. While IOC rules allow transgender athletes to compete, the controversy persists, especially with proposals for genetic testing by organizations like FIS. This case underscores the tension between fairness and inclusion. The media misgendering incident reveals ongoing societal challenges in respecting gender identity, even at elite sporting events. The broader implications suggest that sports governing bodies will face increasing pressure to refine policies, balancing athlete rights with perceptions of fairness. The story also signals a potential shift in public attitudes, with some social resistance but growing acceptance among competitors and supporters. Ultimately, Lundholm's participation will likely accelerate debates and policy adjustments in winter sports and beyond.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that NBC's international feed misgendered Lundholm during coverage, apologizing and removing the replay. The AP emphasizes Lundholm's focus on skiing and his status as the first openly transgender Winter Olympian, noting his lack of gender-affirming treatment. The Independent highlights the broader context of gender policies, including recent US and international debates on genetic testing and eligibility criteria, and Lundholm's stance on fairness and authenticity in competition. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the ongoing societal and institutional struggles around transgender participation in sports, with some emphasizing inclusion and others raising concerns about fairness.
How we got here
Lundholm, assigned female at birth and identifying as male, is competing in the women's category under IOC guidelines that permit transgender athletes to participate after national federation approval. His participation follows ongoing debates about fairness and gender policies in sports, with recent moves by the US and international federations to consider genetic testing and stricter eligibility rules.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s the controversy around transgender athletes in high school sports?
Transgender athletes competing in high school and college sports have sparked intense debates about fairness, inclusion, and policy. With stories like AB Hernandez and Elis Lundholm making headlines, many wonder how schools and states are responding and what this means for girls' sports in 2026. Below, we explore the key questions and issues shaping this ongoing controversy.
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What Do Current News Stories Reveal About Broader Global Trends in 2026?
Today’s headlines highlight a range of pressing issues—from energy shortages in Cuba to rising healthcare costs in the US, and debates over transgender athletes. These stories aren’t isolated; they reflect larger economic, political, and social shifts shaping 2026. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for the future? Keep reading to explore the bigger picture behind today’s news.
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Who Is Elis Lundholm and What’s His Story?
Elis Lundholm made history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete at a Winter Olympics. Assigned female at birth and now competing as male under IOC rules, his participation has sparked widespread discussion about gender, fairness, and inclusion in sports. Curious about his journey and what it means for the future of transgender athletes? Keep reading to find out more about Lundholm, the IOC policies, and the ongoing debates surrounding transgender participation in sports.
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Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, Finland to the east, and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund Strait.